PLANNING FOR DEATH

Planning for Death

By Chandler Sullivan
November 1, 2024 | 7 Min. Read

How Do You Start Preparing for Death?

What Is Estate Planning?

What Are the Negatives of a Trust vs. a Will?

what documents should you have prepared?

What is the first thing you do after someone passes?

  • Alert the Right People:
    • If your loved one passes away in a hospital or care facility, the staff will declare the death, which you’ll need for the death certificate.
    • If they pass away at home, call 911, and they will be taken to a hospital where medical staff will confirm the death.
    • If they were in hospice care, the hospice nurse can declare the death at home.
  • Tell Others:
    • Once you’re ready, share the news with friends, family, your loved one’s attorney, and their workplace. If it feels overwhelming, ask someone else to help.
    • Check their phone or email to make sure no one is missed.
  • Care for the Home and Pets:
    • Keep an eye on their home to prevent theft and pick up the mail to avoid identity theft.
    • Take care of any dependents or pets, and keep track of any costs for the estate.
  • Plan the Funeral:
    • Funerals usually take place within a week, but there’s no rush. Choose a date that works best for your family.
    • Check to see if your loved one left instructions in a will or other document about their funeral or burial wishes.
  • Order Death Certificates:
    • You’ll need 5-10 copies of the death certificate for things like probate and transferring assets.
    • The funeral home can help you order them.
  • Notify Financial Institutions:
    • Contact their bank or credit union with a death certificate. If there is a joint owner on accounts, the funds will pass to them. If not, the executor will handle closing the accounts.
    • Notify the major credit bureaus (Equifa, Experian®, and TransUnion®) to prevent identity theft.
  • Contact Government Agencies:
    • Let the Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs know if your loved one was receiving benefits. Survivors benefits may be available but must be applied for within two years.
  • Pay Bills:
    • Don’t ignore bills—call creditors and let them know you are handling your loved one’s affairs. Keep a log of all bills to stay organized.
    • If managing your own bills, consider setting up automatic payments to make things easier.
  • Notify Others:
    • Be sure to inform their financial planner, tax advisor, investment broker, creditors, utility companies, and the Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • Find Important Documents:
    • Now is the time to locate your loved one’s important documents, such as their will, deeds, insurance policies, bank accounts, Social Security info, tax returns, and any safe deposit box keys.

    what other decisions can you prepare for?

    We’re Here in the Tough Times

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